Slide fastener



S, FREY SLIDE FASTENER Nov. 4, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 21, 1955 Figl Nov. 4, 1958 s. FREY 2,858,591

SLIDE FASTENER Filed March 21, 1955 2 sheets-sheet 2 United States Patent r"ce SLIDE FASTENER Simon Frey, Zurich, Switzerland, assignor to Dr. Ing.V Sim. Frey Gesellschaft fr Industrielle Forschungen, Reg. Trust., Vaduz, Liechtenstein Application March 21, 1955, Serial No. 495,743

Claims. (Cl. 24-201) My invention relates to a slide fastenerof the type `comprising a pair of strips mounted along the edges of goods to be separably joined by said fastener and a slider adapted to bring interlocking means provided on the strips in nested interlocked relationship when slid on the .strips in one direction and to release and separate the .strips from each other when slid on in the opposite di ,rection.

In prior slide fasteners of this type the interlocking .means provided on the strips are usually a string of links providing a hook and eye or catch and latch formation. for interlocking engagement between coordinated links rof cooperating stringers. Therefore, the manufacture of :such slide fasteners is complicated and expensive.

It is the object of the present invention `to provide a to provide a slide fastener of this kind which is durablev and inexpensive, may be manufactured at low costs, and lends itself easily to the provisionof a watertight or even airtight joint between the edges of the goods.

Further objects of my invention will appear from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof shown in the drawings and the features of novelty will be pointed out in the claims. I wish it tobe clearly understood, however, that such detailed description serves the sole purpose of illustrating the invention and `is not intended to restrict or limit the same.

In the drawings, in which a preferred example ofthe novel slide fastener is illustrated,

Fig. l is a longitudinal section of the slider shown on an enlarged scale, the section being taken substantially along the line 1-1 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 2 is a view of the bottom of the slider taken in the' direction of the arrow 2 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the slider taken in the direction of the arrow 3 in Fig. l; l

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the slider viewed in the direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. l;

Fig. 6 is the cross section ofthe slider taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1, and a cross section through the strips of exible material embraced by the slider, the scale being larger than that of Figs. l to 5; j

Fig. 7 is a cross section taken through the joined strips of the slide fastener and the ribbons connected therewith;

Fig. 8 is a cross section through one of the strips having a longitudinal dovetail-proled groove confined by exible walls, the walls being shownby broken lines in the position in which theyv are spread apart;

Fig. 9 is a cross section through the strip provided with a longitudinal` dovetail-proled rib; and

'Fig 10 is a cross section through the slide fastener 2,858,591 Patented Nov. 4, 1958 and the strips passing therethrough, the section being taken substantially along the broken line 10-10 of Fig. 1.

The novel slide fastener comprises a pair of continuous strips 1 and 2 of flexible material and a slider 3. These strips are `mounted along the edges of the goods which are to be separably joined by the slide fastener. Each of the strips coheres to a ribbon 4, or 5 respectively, which may consist of a textile material and serves the purpose of facilitating the attachment along the edges of the goods, for instance by sewing.

The strip 2 is provided with a longitudinal groove 7 which is widened at its bottom and narrow at its mouth 32. Preferably, this groove has a prole consisting of a semi-circle constituting the bottom of the groove, two closely spaced parallel lines constituting the narrow mouth portion 32 of the groove, and transitional lines 37, 38 which form an acute angle with the mouth lines. This profile will be called dovetail profile hereinafter.

The other strip 1 is formed by a base portion of substantially rectangular cross section and of a longitudinal ribbon extending from the center of the side wall of the base portion and provided with a head portion 6 of dovetail prole. As will appear from Fig. 7, the head portion 6 of the ribbon is adapted to be nested in the groove 7 of the strip 2. The head portion is provided with slanting faces 35 and 36 which cooperate with the faces 37 and 38 of the groove so as to firmly interlock the fleXible strips when they are in the nested relationship illustrated in Fig. 7. For the purpose of forming a strong joint between the ribbon 4, or 5 respectively, and the associated strip 1, or 2 respectively, the ribbon may be provided with a bulbous portion 10 extendingl along its edge and this bulbous portion may be embedded in the associated strip, as will appear from Fig. 7. For this purpose, the strips may be provided with longitudinal cavities 8 and 9, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Preferably, the ribbons 4 and 5 and their bulbous edge portions 10 are cemented to the strips 1 and 2 to form a strong joint capable of resisting high stresses.

The slider illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 and 10 serves the purpose of bringing the strips 1 and 2 into the nested interlocked relationship shown in Fig. 7 when the slider 3 is slid on the strips in one direction, and of releasing and separating the strips from each other when slid thereon in the opposite direction.

The Vslider comprises a pair of channel members 11 and 14 which are rigidly connected with each other and held in spaced opposed symmetrical relationship by a spacing member 17 which may be integral with or welded to the channel members 11 and 14.

Each of the channel members 11 and 14 comprises a lengthy base plate tapering towards its ends, the arms 12 and 13 or 15 and 16 of the channel members constituting opposed flanges. The base plates of the channel members are slightly curved away from each other in the central portion of the slider.

The channel members 11 and 14 and the spacing member 17 form a Y-shaped guiding channel for the strips 1 and 2, as the sliders of slide fasteners usually do. nel are designated by 28 and 29 in Fig. l. One pair of arms 12 and 15 of the channel members serves to guide the grooved strip 2, and the other pair of arms 13 and 16 serves to guide the other strip 1.

The spacing member 17 is wedge-shaped when viewed as shown in Fig. 1. On its side opposed to the arms v12 and 15 the spacing member 17 is provided with a wedge shaped portion 1S. As will appear from Fig. 4, the sides of the wedge-shaped portion 18 extend parallel to the upper tapering ends `of the base plates of the channel members 11 and 14 so as to constitute therewith guide- The two branches of this Y-shaped guiding chanu ways of constant width. These guideways serve the purpose of accommodating and guiding -therex'ible'armsr 33 and 34 of strip 2 which confine the groove thereof. When the slider is slid upwardly with respect to Fig. 1, the wedge-shaped portion 18 of the spacing-member 17 slides -betweenthe exible arms 33 andtf34ofthe' stip 2 and spreads the same apart into the position show-n corresponds substantially to' the thiciknessrof the "dovetilf" proled head portion 6j of the ribbon of strip 1f Each' channel member is provided'with an interiorrib 19, or-20- respectively, which extends from thel spacing? member 17 substantially parallel tothe pair of arms 12 and15f As will'appear from Figs.' 6 and 10," the two interior ribs 19 and 2t)v are arranged in spacedregis# tering relationship.j Each of the'interior ribs 19 and 20 Ais provided with'a flange 21, or 22 respectively. This ange forms ia ledge*which constitutes a continuation of thegroove-spreadingside ofthe wedge-shaped portion' 18, as will appear from Fig. 4; Preferably, the anges' 21 and 22'converge at their lower ends, as shown in Fig.v 4, that lis to say at the ends remote from the spac-Y the'member 17. The distance of the ribs 19 and 20` 21 and 22l haveadistance corresponding substantially.

to the Width of the'thick portion 6 ofthe rib of strip 1. It is the purpose of the anged ribs 19 and 20 Ato guide the'exible walls of-strip 2 into and out of the interlocking relationship with the dovetail-proled strip 1 when 'the slider is slid upwardly or downwardly. On its upwardimotion, the slider 3 guides the two strips `1 and 2in such abmanner that the thick portion 6 of' the riby of kstrip \1` slidesthrough between the angesV 21 and 22 and into 'the' groove 7 of strip 2, as will appear from Figs.` and 6j Fig. 10"showing the strips just prior to.arrival'iniinte'rlocking relationship, and Fig. 6'showing the strips just before the interlock is completed on upward'motion of the slider 3.

Each of the interior ribs 19, or respectively, is integral with an interior'rib l23, or 24 respectively, of the associated channel member 11, or 14 respectively, The ribs 23 and 24ihave a width-which slightly exceeds that of the central portions of the ribs 19 and 20, as will appear from Fig. 4. The two ribs 23-and 24 registerwith each other. Theirl constant distance corresponds substantially to that of the lower ends of the ribs 19 and 20. The ribs 23 and 24 extendY between and substantially parallel to the opposed face of the connecting member 17` and theV pair ofarms 13- and 16, as-will appear from Fig. 1. Hence, the elements 19 and 23, or 20 and 24 respectively, constitute a Y-shaped rib,the diverging sections of which extend parallelto the pairs of arms 12, 15 and 13, 16. ing rib sections 23 and 24 to engage and to guide the inner sides of the strip 1, as wellv appear from Fig. 10'.

Preferably, the slider is equipped-with a bail 27 for the attachment of the customary handle; which serves to manipulate the slider. The ends of the bail 27en. gage recesses and 26 provided at the ends ofV the channel member 11, asV will appear from Figs.V 1 and-4.

When the slider is pulled in upward direction, thev wedge-shaped portion 1i; of the connecting member 17 enters the neck portion 32 of the dovetail-proled groove of strip 2 and spreads the arms 33 and 34 confining the groove apart to the position shown in` Fig. 8'by` broken lines. upon the flanges 21 and 22 of the interior ribs 19' and 20, the head portion 6 of the ribof strip 1 is introduced It is the purpose of-.divergadapted to be nested in said groove, and a slider adapted While the spread arms 33 and 34 'slidel in-to the widened groove 7 passing through between the flanges 21 and 22, the strip 1 being guided by the appear from Fig, 10. Thereafter the converging ends of the anges 21 and 22 permit the arms 33 and 34 to profiled portion 6 of strip 1 until the two strips arrive in the relative position shown in Fig. 7 in which the two strips are firmly interlocked.

On downward motion of the slider 3 the flexible arms 33 and 34 of the strip 2lslideupon the coverging ends of the flanges 21 and 22 and are spread apart by the same until the groove7"has been 'widened suiciently to permit removalof portiony 6 of strip 1 which passes,

throughbetween-theflanges 21 and22 entering the guiding channel 28. Whileithe arms slide off the wedgeshaped portion 18, they are forciblyr returned to, the normall position'l bythe` converging base portions of the channel members -11 .and14.4

The improved slide fastener is capable in interlocked condition to resist high stresses tending to pull the two strips 1 and 2 apart. The slantingfaces 35and 36 yof thed'ovetaihproled rib of" strip 11j exert upon faces 37 components"tendin`g to press .the two arms 33 and 34 firmly "upon the narrow neckY portion of the rib of strip 1. Hence, theA two stripswill be'h'eld'together with an increasin'g'force as'the ltensile stress increases. Moreover, th'ejoint between' the strips'land Z'is practically water,- and airtight.

At least one 'of the' strips, to wit strip 2, is preferably ma'c'leofa'vrubber-like' material,"suchlas a suitable plastic, orfrubber; Similarly, strip 1 may consist ofa suitable plastic which' may be less exiblethan that of strip 2. Since' thesliderm'oves the arms 33' and' 34 positively to their normalpositions upon engagement or. disengagement ofi'th'e strips, the flexibility of the arms 33 and 34 need notbe necessarily of such a degree asto elect'the'automaticrrestoration of arms 33 and 34.

'lfherib'bo'ns 4. and 5v may besimply molded in the strips1'an'd1'2. Preferably, however, they are cemented therein"orweldedthereto. While I`prefer to makethe ribbons'4and"5`of.textilematerial, they may, also conf sist' of'asuitable plastic. They arev preferably connected. with themarginal portions of the goodsto be joined by sewing; The profile of the strips 1 and 2 is the same throughout their lengths. If desired, however, the strips may' be` provided r with transverse grooves to increasetheir' flexibility;

While the inventionhas been described in connection. with' a preferred'embodimentf thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to covertany variations, uses, or

adaptationsofthe invention following, in, general, the.v

principles of theinvention and including suchvdepartures from the'pres'ent disclosure as come within known. or customary practice in the art to which theinvention pertains, andas fall within the scope ofIl the inventio or the limits of theappend'edl claims.

What I claim is:

1. A slide fastener comprising a pair of continuous strips ofexible material mounted along the edges of goods to be separably' joined by said fastener, one strip being provided with ak longitudinal dovetailfprofiled groove conned'by flexiblel walls and the other strip being provided with a longitudinal dovetail-proiiledl rib to' bringv said strips in nested' interlocked relationship when slidvv thereon in. one direction and to release and separate the strips from each other when slid thereon in the. opposite direction, said slidercomprising a pair. ofchannel 'members and a wedge-shaped spacing member rigidly connected at one yend of said channel -rnembersl andiy adaptedto hold said channel members in spaced opposed symmetrical relationship, inwardly extending anges on each side edge ofV said channel members arranged in pairs iny opposed. relation said channel members andsaids'pacingmember forming a Y-shaped guiding channel for'4 said strips, said guiding channel being laterally coniined by the side ilanges of said channel members, one pair of side flanges serving to guide said one strip and the other pair of side flanges serving to guide said other strip, said spacing member being provided on its side opposed to one of said pair of side flanges with a Wedge-shaped portion adapted to engage said groove and to spread apart said walls a distance corresponding substantially to the thickness of said dovetail-proled rib, said channel members being provided with interior ribs arranged in spaced registering relationship and extending from said spacing member substantially parallel to one of said pair of side anges, said interior ribs being provided with angular flanges extending outwardly in the direction of the side anges of said channel members and forming ledges constituting continuations of the sides of said wedge-shaped portion and adapted to guide said spread-apart Walls in said dovetailed grooved strip, said last named flanges converging at their ends remote from said spacing member to thereby guide said Walls into and out of the interlocking relationship with respect to and across said dovetail-proled rib.

2. A slide fastener comprising a pair of continuous strips of flexible material mounted along the edges of goods to be separably joined by said fastener, one strip being provided with a longitudinal dovetail-proled groove conned by exible Walls and the other strip being provided with a longitudinal doVetail-proled rib adapted to be nested in said groove, and a slider adapted to bring said strips in nested interlocked relationship when slid thereon in one direction and to release and separate the strips from each other when slid thereon in the opposite direction, said slider comprising a pair of channel members and a spacing member rigidly connected with and adapted to hold said channel members in spaced opposed symmetrical relationship, inwardly extending flanges on each side edge of said channel members arranged in pairs and in opposed relation said channel members and said spacing member forming a Y- shaped guiding channel for said strips, said guiding channel being laterally confined by the side flanges of said channel members, one pair of side flanges serving to guide said one strip and the other pair of side flanges serving to guide said other strip, said spacing member being provided on its side opposed to said one pair of side anges with a Wedge-shaped portion adapted to engage said groove and to spread apart said Walls a distance corresponding substantially to the thickness of said dovetail-profiled rib, each of said channel members being provided with interior Y-shaped ribs having diverging sections arranged in spaced registering relationship, the diverging sections of said Y-shaped ribs extending parallel to the corresponding pair of opposed flanges on each side of said channel members, one of said diverging sections adjoining said wedge-shaped member and the o-ther one of said diverging sections extending between and substantially parallel to the opposed face of said Wedge-shaped member and one of said other pair of side flanges, an angular flange being provided on each of said Y-shaped ribs opposite to the other pair of opposed side anges and extending in the direction of the side flanges of the respective channel members, such angular flanges forming ledges constituting continuations of one of the Walls of said Wedge-shaped member and adapted to guide said spread-apart Walls of said dovetailed groove strip, said llanges converging at their ends remote from said spacing member to thereby guide said walls of said strip into and out of interlocking relationship with respect to and across said doVetail-proled rib of said other strip, the latter being guided by said other one of said diverging sections of said Y-shaped ribs.

3. A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 in which said angular flanges have parallel portions located adjacent to said spacing member and converging portions constituting the ends remote from said wedge shaped spacing member.

4. A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 in which each of said strips has the same profile shape throughout its length.

5. A slid: fastener as claimed in claim 1 comprising in addition a pair of spaced ribbons, each ribbon being provided with a bulbous portion along one of its edges, said bulbous portions being embedded in and cemented to said strips of flexible material.

6. A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 comprising in addition a pair of spaced textile ribbons, each textile ribbon being provided with a bulbous portion along one of its edges, said bulbous portions being embedded in and cemented to said strips of flexible material.

7. A slide fastener as claimed in claim l in which said one strip consists of a rubber-like material.

8. A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of said strips consists of a plastic.

9. A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 comprising in addition a pair of spaced ribbons of rubber-like material, each ribbon of rubber-like material being provided with a bulbous portion along one of its edges, said bulbous portions being embedded in and cemented to said strips of flexible material.

10, A slide fastener as claimed in claim 1 comprising in addition a pair of spaced ribbons of plastic, each ribbon of plastic being provided with a bulbous portion along one of its edges, said bulbous portions being embedded in and cemented to said strips of ilexible material.

References Cited in the file of this patent FOREIGN PATENTS 420,969 Italy May 12, 1947 512,568 Belgium July 31, 1952 1,018,167 France Dec. 29, 1952 

